Kristen Bell is embracing a new role: host of the inaugural Actor Awards. The ceremony, a rebranding of the Screen Actors Guild Awards, will take place on February 29, 2026, at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall. The shift to “The Actor Awards” reflects a desire to center the celebration on the artistry of performers, a sentiment Bell echoed in recent comments. The change, announced earlier this year, wasn’t a radical departure, as the statuette itself has always been referred to as “The Actor.”
Bell’s involvement comes at a pivotal moment for the awards indicate, which is hoping to solidify its place as a key stop on the awards season circuit. The transition to the Actor Awards aims to streamline the focus, emphasizing the work of actors rather than the guild itself. The larger-than-life replica of The Actor statuette, standing 10 feet tall and weighing 162 pounds, will be prominently featured on the red carpet, in the showroom, on stage, and at the post-awards gala, according to details released by the awards organization.
A Full-Circle Moment for Bell
The hosting gig represents a significant moment for Bell, who, ironically, was once cut from her own big-screen debut. Whereas details surrounding the film, titled “Pootie,” remain somewhat scarce, Bell has spoken about the experience as a formative, if disheartening, early lesson in the industry. She has described the experience as a “brutal” introduction to the realities of filmmaking, where even completed scenes can end up on the cutting room floor.
Despite the early setback, Bell’s career flourished. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Veronica Mars, and has since starred in numerous successful films and television shows, including “Frozen,” “The Good Place,” and “Enlightened.” Her versatility and comedic timing make her a natural fit for hosting a show celebrating the craft of acting.
The Actor Awards: By the Numbers
The Actor Awards are steeped in tradition, and the numbers behind the ceremony are impressive. Since the inaugural SAG Awards in 1995, 1,233 individually numbered Actor statuettes have been awarded. Each statuette is crafted from 12 pounds of solid bronze by 10 craftspeople at American Fine Arts Foundry, taking three to four months to complete all the awards for the broadcast. Seven larger-than-life replicas of The Actor statuette will be strategically positioned throughout the event.
The Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall, built in 1926, provides a grand backdrop for the ceremony. When first constructed, it was the largest theater in the United States. For the televised ceremony, 101 tables will transform the Shrine’s Expo Hall into an intimate dinner showroom. Champagne Taittinger will once again serve as the official champagne, providing 1 magnum for the traditional toast and 160 magnums for the post-awards gala. Each magnum contains approximately 500 million bubbles.
A Toast to Tradition
Champagne Taittinger’s involvement is a long-standing tradition, with the brand having been the official champagne of the SAG Awards (now the Actor Awards) for many years. Two Methuselah bottles of Champagne Taittinger Brut La Française will be signed by the Actor recipients and donated to an auction benefiting the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. A Methuselah bottle holds 6 liters. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is also a sponsor of the event.
The Shrine Auditorium: A Historic Venue
The Shrine Auditorium’s history adds another layer of significance to the Actor Awards. Designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1975, the venue has hosted countless iconic events over the decades. The Post-Awards Gala, hosted by PEOPLE magazine, has been held for 24 consecutive years, and has been designed and produced by Tony Schubert of Event Eleven for the past 12 years.
The transition from the Screen Actors Guild Awards to the Actor Awards is intended to be a seamless one, building on the existing prestige and tradition of the event. Bell’s role as host is expected to inject a fresh energy into the ceremony, while still honoring the legacy of recognizing outstanding performances. The focus on “The Actor” as the central figure of the celebration is a subtle but significant shift, aiming to elevate the artistry and dedication of performers.
The 2026 Actor Awards are scheduled to be broadcast live on Netflix and TNT. Further details regarding nominees and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. The event promises to be a celebration of the acting profession, with Kristen Bell at the helm, guiding audiences through a night of recognition and appreciation.
As the awards season progresses, the Actor Awards will serve as a crucial milestone for contenders vying for industry accolades. The event’s continued commitment to honoring exceptional performances ensures its enduring relevance in the entertainment landscape.
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